SESSION MANAGEMENT FUNCTION, APPLICATION FUNCTION, METHOD OF OPERATING A SESSION MANAGEMENT FUNCTION, METHOD OF OPERATING AN APPLICATION FUNCTION, AND NON-TRANSIENT COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM

Abstract

 A Session Management Function (SMF) of a mobile radio communication network is provided. The Session Management Function (SMF) comprises one or more processors configured to: provide a Session Management Function (SMF); receive a steering request message via a Network Exposure Function (NEF) and/or Policy Control Function (PCF), the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between a first Application Function (AF) and a second Application Function (AF), wherein the first AF and the second AF are located outside the mobile radio communication network, the steering request message comprising a first information allowing the determination of a first interface associated with a first network the first AF is located in and a second information allowing the determination of the a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in; establish the communication connection between the first AF and the second AF through the mobile radio communication network and via the first interface and via the second interface using the first information and/or the second information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments relate generally to a session management function, an application function, a method of operating a session management function, a method of operating an application function, and a non-transient computer-readable storage medium.

Background

[0002] Nowadays steering data traffic in and/or through a mobile radio communication network, e.g. 5G, becomes an increasing issue.

Summary

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a session management function of a mobile radio communication network, which enables to steer data traffic between a first Application Function outside the mobile radio communication network and a second Application Function outside the mobile radio communication network for processing the corresponding data at least in part at the location of the first Application Function and at least in part at the location of the second Application function, wherein the first location is different from the second location.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an Application Function outside a mobile radio communication network, which enables to steer data traffic between the Application Function and a second Application Function outside the mobile radio communication network for processing the corresponding data at least in part at the location of the Application Function and at least in part at the location of the second Application function, wherein the first location is different from the second location.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of operating a session management function of a mobile radio communication network, which enables to steer data traffic between a first Application Function outside the mobile radio communication network and a second Application Function outside the mobile radio communication network for processing the corresponding data at least in part at the location of the first Application Function and at least in part at the location of the second Application function, wherein the first location is different from the second location.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of operating an Application Function outside of a mobile radio communication network, which enables to steer data traffic between the Application Function and a second Application Function outside the mobile radio communication network for processing the corresponding data at least in part at the location of the Application Function and at least in part at the location of the second Application function, wherein the first location is different from the second location.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-transient computer-readable storage medium, which enables to steer data traffic between a first Application Function outside a mobile radio communication network and a second Application Function outside a mobile radio communication network for processing the corresponding data at least in part at the location of the first Application Function and at least in part at the location of the second Application function, wherein the first location is different from the second location.

[0008] An object of the invention is solved by a Session Management Function (SMF) of a mobile radio communication network including one or more processors configured to: provide a Session Management Function (SMF); receive a steering request message via a Network Exposure Function (NEF) and/or Policy Control Function (PCF), the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between a first Application Function (AF) and a second Application Function (AF), wherein the first AF and the second AF are located outside the mobile radio communication network, the steering request message including a first information allowing the determination of a first interface associated with a first network the first AF is located in and a second information allowing the determination of the a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in; and establish the communication connection between the first AF and the second AF through the mobile radio communication network and via the first interface and via the second interface using the first information and/or the second information.

[0009] The first AF may include a centralized Application Server (CAS) or an Edge Application Server (EAS). Alternatively or additionally, the the second AF may include an Edge Application Server (EAS) or a centralized Application Server (CAS). The first and/or the second interface may be N6 interfaces.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the first information of the steering request message may include a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication; the second information of the steering request message may include a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication; the first information of the steering request message may include a first AF Service identifier (ID) of the first AF; and/or the second information of the steering request message may include a second AF Service identifier (ID) of the second AF.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the steering request message further may include at least one of the following communication connection endpoint information: first AF geographical area information; second AF geographical area information; first and/or second interface IP address; first and/or second interface characteristics; first AF Internet Protocol (IP) address; first AF Medium Access Control (MAC) address; second AF Internet Protocol (IP) address; second AF Medium Access Control (MAC) address; first and/or second interface Network Instance identifier; characteristics of an associated mobile radio communication terminal device; and authorization information indicating an authorization of the first AF.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the steering request message may further include at least one of the following steering information: information about one or more Network Functions of the mobile radio communication network; information about Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules to be applied to the established communication connection; Data Network Name (DNN) and/or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) of the mobile radio communication network; characteristics of an associated mobile radio communication terminal device; characteristics of the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session; and characteristics of a network instance of the communication connection within the mobile radio communication network.

[0013] The network may include an Edge Hosting Environment including an Edge Application Server. Alternatively or additionally, the first network and/or the second network are/is a data network.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the network is a 5G Core Network. For example, the network is a Control Plane 5G Core Network.

[0015] The one or more processors may further be configured to determine one or more PCC rules from an associated Policy Control Function (PCF) of the mobile radio communication network.

[0016] An object of the invention is solved by an Application Function (AF), including one or more processors configured to: provide an Application Function (AF); generate a steering request message, the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between the Application Function (AF) and a second Application Function (AF), wherein the AF and the second AF are located outside a mobile radio communication network in which a Session Management Function is located, the steering request message including a first information allowing the determination of a first interface associated with a first network the AF is located in and a second information allowing the determination of a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in; and send the steering request message via a Network Exposure Function (NEF) and/or Policy Control Function (PCF) to the SMF.

[0017] The AF may include a centralized Application Server (CAS) or an Edge Application Server (EAS). Alternatively or additionally, the second AF may include an Edge Application Server (EAS) or a centralized Application Server (CAS).

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the first information of the steering request message may include a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication; the second information of the steering request message may include a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication; the first information of the steering request message may include a first AF Service identifier (ID) of the AF; and/or the second information of the steering request message may include a second AF Service identifier (ID) of the second AF.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the steering request message may further include at least one of the following communication connection endpoint information: AF geographical area information; second AF geographical area information; first and/or second interface IP address; first and/or second interface characteristics; AF Internet Protocol (IP) address; AF Medium Access Control (MAC) address; second AF Internet Protocol (IP) address; second AF Medium Access Control (MAC) address; first and/or second interface Network Instance identifier; characteristics of an associated mobile radio communication terminal device; and authorization information indicating an authorization of the AF.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the steering request message may further include at least one of the following steering information: information about one or more Network Functions of the mobile radio communication network; information about Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules to be applied to the established communication connection; Data Network Name (DNN) and/or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) of the mobile radio communication network; characteristics of an associated mobile radio communication terminal device; characteristics of the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session; and characteristics of a network instance of the communication connection within the mobile radio communication network.

[0021] The network may include an Edge Hosting Environment including an Edge Application Server. Alternatively or additionally, the first network and/or the second network may be a data network.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the network may be a 5G Core Network. For example, the network may be a Control Plane 5G Core Network.

[0023] The one or more processors may be further configured to determine one or more PCC rules from an associated Policy Control Function (PCF) of the mobile radio communication network.

[0024] An object of the invention is solved by a method of operating a Session Management Function (SMF) of a mobile radio communication network, the method including: providing a Session Management Function (SMF); receiving a steering request message via a Network Exposure Function (NEF) and/or Policy Control Function (PCF), the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between a first Application Function (AF) and a second Application Function (AF), wherein the first AF and the second AF are located outside the mobile radio communication network, the steering request message including a first information allowing the determination of the a first interface associated with a first network the first AF is located in and a second information allowing the determination of a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in; and establishing the communication connection between the first AF and the second AF through the mobile radio communication network and via the first interface and via the second interface using the first information and/or the second information.

[0025] The the first AF may include a centralized Application Server (CAS) or an Edge Application Server (EAS). The second AF may include an Edge Application Server (EAS) or a centralized Application Server (CAS).

[0026] In one or more embodiments the first information of the steering request message may include a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication; the second information of the steering request message may include a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication; the first information of the steering request message may include a first AF Service identifier (ID) of the first AF; and/or the second information of the steering request message may include a second AF Service identifier (ID) of the second AF.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the steering request message further may include at least one of the following communication connection endpoint information: first AF geographical area information; second AF geographical area information; first and/or second interface IP address; first and/or second interface characteristics; first AF Internet Protocol (IP) address; first AF Medium Access Control (MAC) address; second AF Internet Protocol (IP) address; second AF Medium Access Control (MAC) address; first and/or second interface Network Instance identifier; characteristics of an associated mobile radio communication terminal device; and authorization information indicating an authorization of the first AF.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the steering request message may further include at least one of the following steering information: information about one or more Network Functions of the mobile radio communication network; information about Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules to be applied to the established communication connection; Data Network Name (DNN) and/or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) of the mobile radio communication network; characteristics of an associated mobile radio communication terminal device; characteristics of the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session; and characteristics of a network instance of the communication connection within the mobile radio communication network.

[0029] The network may include an Edge Hosting Environment including an Edge Application Server. The first network and/or the second network each may be a data network.

[0030] In one or more embodiments the network may be a 5G Core Network. For example, the network may be a Control Plane 5G Core Network.

[0031] The method may further include: determining one or more PCC rules from an associated Policy Control Function (PCF) of the mobile radio communication network.

[0032] An object of the invention is solved by a method of operating an Application Function (AF), the method including: providing an Application Function (AF); generating a steering request message, the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between the Application Function (AF) and a second Application Function (AF), wherein the AF and the second AF are located outside a mobile radio communication network in which a Session Management Function is located, the steering request message including a first information allowing the determination of a first interface associated with a first network the AF is located in and a second information allowing the determination of a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in; sending the steering request message via a Network Exposure Function (NEF) and/or Policy Control Function (PCF) to the SMF.

[0033] The AF may include a centralized Application Server (CAS) or an Edge Application Server (EAS). The second AF may include an Edge Application Server (EAS) or a centralized Application Server (CAS).

[0034] In one or more embodiments the first information of the steering request message may include a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication; the second information of the steering request message may include a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication; the first information of the steering request message may include a first AF Service identifier (ID) of the AF; and/or the second information of the steering request message may include a second AF Service identifier (ID) of the second AF.

[0035] The steering request message may further include at least one of the following communication connection endpoint information: AF geographical area information; second AF geographical area information; first and/or second interface IP address; first and/or second interface characteristics; AF Internet Protocol (IP) address; AF Medium Access Control (MAC) address; second AF Internet Protocol (IP) address; second AF Medium Access Control (MAC) address; first and/or second interface Network Instance identifier; characteristics of an associated mobile radio communication terminal device; and authorization information indicating an authorization of the AF.

[0036] The steering request message may further include at least one of the following steering information: information about one or more Network Functions of the mobile radio communication network; information about Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules to be applied to the established communication connection; Data Network Name (DNN) and/or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) of the mobile radio communication network; characteristics of an associated mobile radio communication terminal device; characteristics of the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session; and characteristics of a network instance of the communication connection within the mobile radio communication network.

[0037] The network may include an Edge Hosting Environment including an Edge Application Server. Alternatively or additionally, the first network and/or the second network may be a data network.

[0038] In one or more embodiments the network may be a 5G Core Network. For example, the network may be a Control Plane 5G Core Network.

[0039] The one or more processors may further be configured to determine one or more PCC rules from an associated Policy Control Function (PCF) of the mobile radio communication network.

[0040] An object of the invention is solved by a non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing instruction, when executed by a processor, implementing a method of operating a Session Management Function of a mobile radio communication network, as explained above.

[0041] An object of the invention is solved by a non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing instruction, when executed by a processor, implementing a method of operating an Application Function of a mobile radio communication network, as explained above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a first network scenario in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 2 shows a second network scenario in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a third network scenario in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a fourth network scenario in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a fifth network scenario in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a first message sequence diagram in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows a second message sequence diagram in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a third message sequence diagram in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows a fourth message sequence diagram in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows a fifth message sequence diagram in accordance with one embodiment.

Description

[0043] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.

[0044] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs.

[0045] The word "over" used with regards to a deposited material formed "over" a side or surface, may be used herein to mean that the deposited material may be formed "directly on", e.g. in direct contact with, the implied side or surface. The word "over" used with regards to a deposited material formed "over" a side or surface, may be used herein to mean that the deposited material may be formed "indirectly on" the implied side or surface with one or more additional layers being arranged between the implied side or surface and the deposited material.

[0046] Steering data traffic in and/or through a mobile radio communication network, e.g. 5G, becomes an increasing issue. For example, there are efforts to steer application traffic between applications outside of the mobile radio communication network through the mobile radio communication network for processing the corresponding data at corresponding locations outside of the mobile radio communication network. For example a part of the processing should be carried out at a local Application Server outside the mobile radio communication network first and another part of the processing should be carried out at one or more central application server(s) or at a user terminal outside the mobile radio communication network. Alternatively, a part of the processing is carried out at a central Application Server or the user terminal outside the mobile radio communication network first and then another poart of the processing is carried out at the local application server outside the mobile radio communication network. The corresponding data traffic may be routed via a data network and/or the internet, back via the 5GC or using multiple PDU sessions. However, with conventional approaches the outside the mobile radio communication network is not aware that the application traffic needs to be processed via the local network, for example a N6-LAN, and the central network, for example a N6-LAN.

[0047] Possible use cases are for example Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communications, Video analytics services, and/or virtual reality (VR) rendering services, e.g. for network gaming, e.g. for a VR Kicker.

[0048] For example, in a Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication a roadside application deployed on an Edge Application Server (EAS) may receive local messages directly from applications in the corresponding vehicles and roadside sensors, analyse them and then propagate (with extremely low latency) hazard warnings. The roadside application may also send an analysis based on local information to the connected car central Application Server (CAS) for further processing.

[0049] Regarding Video analytics services, an Application Server (AS) deployed in a local Data Network (DN) may be responsible for local video raw data pre-possessing. The corresponding application at the local DN may transcode and store the captured video streams from cameras received over the mobile communication network, e.g. 5G-NR (New Radio). The raw data then may be abstracted and compressed to metadata in smaller size fitting for backhaul transmission. After that, the local Application Server may send the metadata to the CAS for further processing. This may be used, for example in theft prevention and/or physical intrusion detection, where the local Application Server may constantly receive UL (Uplink) data flow from video cameras and analyses the corresponding image to check anything abnormal. The local Application Server may forward the image to the central server only when something abnormal has been detected.

[0050] Further, with respect to the VR rendering service for network gaming, e.g. a VR Kicker, the local Application Server may send pose data, audio data and/or text data of the game player to the CAS (i.e. the game server). The CAS may collect the information from different game players in the same game scenario and then may provide the information to the different local Application Servers. When the local Application Server retrieves pose data, audio data and text data of other game players, it may perform the real-time rendering for the game player and finally may transmit the video stream to the user terminal, which may be referred to as User Equipment (UE) in the following.

[0051] An Application Function (AF) at an AS may influence the routing of the data traffic as defined in TS 23.501, Clause 5.6.7, and/or as shown in the following table:

Information Name	Applicable for PCF or NEF (NOTE 1)	Applicable for NEF only	Category
Traffic Description	Defines the target traffic to be influenced, represented by the combination of DNN and optionally S-NSSAI, and application identifier or traffic filtering information.	The target traffic can be represented by AF-Service-Identifier, instead of combination of DNN and optionally S-NSSAI.	Mandatory
Potential Locations of Applications	Indicates potential locations of applications, represented by a list of DNAI(s).	The potential locations of applications can be represented by AF-Service-Identifier.	Conditiona (NOTE 2)I
Target UE Identifier(s)	Indicates the UE(s) that the request is targeting, i.e. an individual UE, a group of UE represented by Internal Group Identifier, or any UE accessing the combination of DNN, S-NSSAI and DNAI(s).	GPSI can be applied to identify the individual UE, or External Group Identifier can be applied to identify a group of UE.	Mandatory
Spatial Validity Condition	Indicates that the request applies only to the traffic of UE(s) located in the specified location, represented by areas of validity.	The specified location can be represented by a list of geographic zone identifier(s).	Optional
AF transaction identifier	The AF transaction identifier refers to the AF request.	N/A	Mandatory
Traffic Routing requirements	Routing profile ID and/or N6 traffic routing information corresponding to each DNAI.	N/A	Optional
Application Relocation Possibility	Indicates whether an application can be relocated once a location of the application is selected by the 5GC.	N/A	Optional
UE IP address preservation indication	Indicates UE IP address should be preserved.	N/A	Optional
Temporal Validity Condition	Time interval(s) or duration(s).	N/A	Optional
Information on AF subscription to corresponding SMF events	Indicates whether the AF subscribes to change of UP path of the PDU Session and the parameters of this subscription.	N/A	Optional

NOTE 1: When the AF request targets existing or future PDU sessions of multiple UE(s) or of any UE and is sent via the NEF, as described in clause 6.3.7.2, the information is stored in the Unified Data Repository (UDR) by the NEF and is notified to the PCF by the UDR. NOTE 2: The potential locations of applications and traffic routing requirements may be absent only if the request is for subscription to notifications about UP path management events only.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, in one or more embodiments endpoint details in a Steering Request from an AF and/or between Network Functions (NFs), e.g. 5GC NFs, may contain geographical area information of the EAS and/or CAS; first and/or second interface details, e.g. N6 interface details, DNAI, IP address, and/or Network Instance details (as defined in clause 5.6.12 of TS 23.501); AF-Service-Identifier (as defined in clause 5.6.7 of TS 23.501); EAS and CAS addresses, e.g. IP and/or MAC addresses; UE details, e.g. GPSI, UE's IP address; and/or AF details, e.g. AF address and/or authorization details.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, in one or more embodiments the Steering information between the NFs, e.g. 5GC NFs, may contain: Serving NF, e.g. 5GC NFs, details, e.g. Service Management Function (SMF)-, Policy Control Function (PCF)-, User Plane Function (UPF)-, PDU Session Anchor (PSA)- and/or Network Exposure Function (NEF)-addresses; PCC rules including notification for charging; Data Network Name (DNN) and/or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI); UE-and/or PDU-Session details; and/or Network Instance details.

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a first network scenario according to an embodiment illustrating architecture assumptions of the network. A user terminal (UE) 30 may connect to multiple EAS, in particular EAS1 38 and EAS2 46. For example, UE 30 may connect to EAS1 38 via a first connection 20 over a Radio Access Network (RAN) 32, a local UPF (1-UPF) 34, and a first local PSA (L-PSA1). Further, UE 30 may connect to EAS2 46 via a second connection 22 over the RAN 32, the 1-UPF 34, and a second local PSA (L-PSA2) 44. EAS1 38 may be addressed by a first Data Network (DN) Access Identifier (DNAI) (DANI1) and/or EAS2 46 may be addressed by a second DNAI (DANI2). During the operation one of the EAS, e.g. EAS 1 38 may need to send or get the traffic to/from CAS, e.g. from DN-CAS 42, wherein data traffic to/from CAS can transferred per PDU session, per group UEs, per Network Instance, per Network Slice, per N6 interface, or per Data Network (DN) Access Identifier (DNAI). For example, EAS1 38 may establish a third connection 24 to DN-CAS 42 via L-PSA1, 1-UPF 34, and a PSA, e.g. a central PSA, e.g. PSA1 40, wherein the connection between PSA1 40 and DN-CAS 42 may be realized via a N6 interface (N6). The third connection 24 may be transparent to the UE. The 1-UPF 34 and/or the PSAs 36, 40, 44 may have to differentiate UL/DL traffic (Uplink/Downlink) between UE traffic, CAS traffic and/or EAS traffic. 1-UPF 34, L-PSA1 36, L-PSA2 44, and PSA1, e.g. central PSA1, may be part of a core network, e.g. the core network of 5G. An embodiment of a possible message sequence diagram for establishing a connection between EAS and CAS, e.g. between EAS1 38 and DN-CAS 42, in the network architecture according to figure 1 is explained below.

[0055] Fig. 2 shows a second network scenario according to an embodiment illustrating architecture assumptions of the network, wherein the network architecture according to figure 2 corresponds to the network architecture according to figure 1 except for L-PSA2 44 and EAS2 46, which are not shown in figure 2. In this scenario, UE 30 may initially be connected to DN-CAS 42, which may determine during operation to include EAS1 for offloading some processing tasks. An embodiment of a possible message sequence diagram for establishing a connection between EAS1 38 and DN-CAS 42 in the network architecture according to figure 2 is explained below.

[0056] Fig. 3 shows a third network scenario according to an embodiment illustrating architecture assumptions of the network, wherein the network architecture according to figure 3 corresponds to the network architecture according to figure 2 except for L-PSA1 36 and 1-UPF 34 being integrated in RAN 32. An embodiment of a possible message sequence diagram for establishing a connection between EAS1 38 and DN-CAS 42 in the network architecture according to figure 3 is explained below.

[0057] Fig. 4 shows a fourth network scenario according to an embodiment illustrating architecture assumptions of the network, wherein the network architecture according to figure 4 corresponds to the network architecture according to figure 2 except for the third connection 24 directly connecting L-PSA1 36 with central PSA, e.g. PSA1 40. An embodiment of a possible message sequence diagram for establishing a connection between EAS1 38 and DN-CAS 42 in the network architecture according to figure 4 is explained below.

[0058] Fig. 5 shows a fifth network scenario according to an embodiment illustrating architecture assumptions of the network, wherein according to the network architecture according to figure 5 centralized AS 51, which is located in a data network (DN) may send a message to a PCF 54, optionally via a NEF 52, in a first step (1). The message includes a request, in particular an AF request, for establishing a connection between centralized AS 51 and an EAS 53. The message may be a Control Plane (CP) message. The PCF 54 may include PCC rules for a new tunnel, optionally including charging information, into the message and may forward the corresponding extended message to a SMF 56, in a second step (2). Afterwards, the SMF 56 establishes a connection between a first UPF (UPF1) 57 and centralized AS 51, e.g. via a N6 interface and/or using DNAI1, another connection between RAN 32 and/or a second UPF (UPF2) 59 and EAS 53, e.g. via another N6 interface and/or using DNAI2, and finally between UPF1 57 and RAN 32 and/or, respectively, UPF2 59. Then a User Plane (UP) packet may be forwarded from UPF1 57 to RAN 32 and/or, respectively, UPF2 59, and/or vice versa, in a third step (3).

[0059] Fig. 6 shows a first message sequence diagram in accordance with one embodiment. The message flow in accordance with the first message sequence diagramm may be used in one or more of the network scenarios explained above.

[0060] In a first stage S2, a PDU session between UE 30 and an AF, e.g. an AF at CAS 42, may be established, e.g. via PSA1 40.

[0061] In a second stage S4, CAS, e.g. DN-CAS 42, may determine that UE's traffic should be offloaded to EAS1 38 by using e.g. DNAI1. Alternatively or additionally, EAS1 38 may need to send some traffic to CAS for further processing.

[0062] In a third stage S6, AF sends a corresponding request to establish a session between EAS1 38 and CAS to NEF 52. The message may include the addresses of EAS 1 38 and/or CAS, DNAI information regarding EAS1 38 and/or CAS, an UE address (e.g. GPSI), if it is associated with the PDU Session, a DNN and/or S-NSSAI, e.g. to identify a proper N6 interface, and/or Network Instance details. Further, NEF 52 may forward the message to PCF 54, optionally be including some policy authorization, e.g. by including Npcf_Policy Authorization.

[0063] In a fourth stage S8, PCF 54 determines PCC rules for UL-CL (Uplink-Classifier) and also new rules for a session establishment between EAS1 38 and CAS in order to route traffic between EAS1 38 and CAS.

[0064] In a fifth stage S10, PCF 54 forwards the modified message to SMF 56. The modified message may include Session Management (SM) Policy Association Modification, PCC rules for UL-CL, and/or new rules for the session establishment between EAS1 38 and CAS.

[0065] In a sixth stage S12, SMF may select 1-UPF 34 and L-PSA 36 based on the DNAI, S-NSSAI or Network Instance details. SMF 56 may insert the proper I-UPF and/or L-PSA into the message and may establish a path between EAS1 38 and CAS. It is to be noted that one or more UPFs, an I-UPF or a PSA may be provided as an alternative to the L-PSA.

[0066] In a seventh stage S14, SMF 56 may send a session establishment request, e.g. a N4 Session Establishment Request, to 1-UPF 34 and/or L-PSA1 36. The request may include UL-CL information and/or one or more forwarding rules to CAS. In other words, SMF 56 may forward UL-CL rules and CAS routing rules to I-UPF 34 and L-PSA1 36. Such routing rules may rule that, if traffic coming EAS1 38 with the destination CAS address, then forward the traffic to PSA1 40 or Network Instance X or Slice Session Y, etc. Similarly, regarding downlink traffic from CAS to EAS1 38, PSA1 38 may perform similar actions.

[0067] In an eighth stage S16, 1-UPF 34 and/or, respectively, L-PSA1 36 may implement the corresponding rules.

[0068] In a ninth stage S18,1-UPF 34 and/or, respectively, L-PSA1 36 may send UL-CL traffic to UE 30 and/or to EAS1 38.

[0069] In a tenth stage S20, EAS1 38 may send data traffic for CAS to 1-UPF 34 and/or, respectively, L-PSA1 36, wherein the destination address may be the CAS address.

[0070] In an eleventh stage S22, 1-UPF 34 and/or, respectively, L-PSA1 36 may forward the data traffic to the CAS, in particular to the AF of CAS, optionally via PSA1 40.

[0071] Fig. 7 shows a second message sequence diagram in accordance with one embodiment. The message flow in accordance with the second message sequence diagramm may be used in one or more of the network scenarios explained above. In the second message sequence diagram it is assumed that a PDU session between UE 30 and an AF, e.g. an AF at CAS, e.g. DN-CAS 42, or at an EAS, e.g. EAS1 38 or EAS2 46 is already established.

[0072] In a twelfth stage S24, AF, e.g. in the application layer, may determine that EAS needs to exchange traffic with CAS.

[0073] In a thirteenth stage S26, AF sends a corresponding request to establish a session between EAS and CAS to NEF 52. The Steering Request may include a "Steering Indication" and/or local and/or endpoint details (e.g. EAS and CAS IP addresses, AF-Service-ID, EAS geographical area information, edge DNAI, central DNAI, etc.). The Steering Request may be implemented as extension of an existing API operation (e.g. Nnef_TrafficInfluence) by introducing a corresponding new message. The steering may be used for establishing the communication path between EAS and CAS. In addition, the steering may be used for the information what traffic and/or applications are linked to this newly established path.

[0074] In a fourteenth stage S28, NEF 52 may determine SMF 56 or PCF 54 based on local configuration and/or steering information (e.g. EAS and CAS IP addresses and/or EAS geographical area information). Then, the message flow may proceed as explained in stages S30 and S32, or, alternatively, as explained in stages S34 and S36.

[0075] In a fifteenth stage S30, NEF 52 may send the traffic Steering Request, e.g. including a steering indication and endpoint details, to SMF 56.

[0076] In a sixteenth stage S32, SMF 56 may exchange PCC rules for the traffic Steering Request with PCF 54, wherein the Steering Request may include steering indication and endpoint details. In other words, SMF 56 and PCF 54 coordinate to determine PCC rules for the requested communication flow.

[0077] Alternatively, in a seventeenth stage S34, NEF 52 may send PCC the traffic Steering Request to PCF 52, wherein the Steering Request may include a steering indication and/or endpoint details.

[0078] In an eighteenth stage S36, PCF 54 may establish the traffic Steering Request, which may include steering PCC rules and/or endpoint details with SMF 56. In other words, SMF 56 and PCF 54 coordinate to determine PCC rules for the requested communication flow.

[0079] In a nineteenth stage S38, SMF 56 may determine an User Plane (UP) configuration based on endpoint details. For example, SMF 56 may select the 1-UPF(s) and local PSA(s) based on the steering information, e.g. based on local endpoint details, and may select the central UPF (PSA) based on central endpoint details.

[0080] In a twentieth stage S40, SMF 56 may send a 1-UPF and local PSA configuration, e.g. via a N4 interface, to 1-UPF/L-PSA1 34, 36.

[0081] In a twenty-first stage S42, SMF 56 may send a central UPF (PSA) configuration, e.g. via a N4 interface, to UPF (C-PSA) 58.

[0082] In other words, in stages S40 and S42, SMF 56 configures the User Plane Functions (local and central) in order to perform the required traffic forwarding. It is noted, that in the above message sequence diagramm the tunnel exists only between I-UPF/L-PSA1 34, 36 and C-PSA 58. However, alternatively it is possible that SMF 56 may establish a tunnel between RAN, e.g. RAN 32 and C-PSA (central PSA). For example, EAS 38 is running inside a RAN node of RAN and SMF 56 establishes the tunnel between EAS 38, RAN 32 and C-PSA 58. For instance, the RAN node may act as an I-UPF.

[0083] Fig. 8 shows a third message sequence diagram in accordance with one embodiment. The message flow in accordance with the third message sequence diagramm may be used in one or more of the network scenarios explained above. In the third message sequence diagram it is assumed that a PDU session between UE 30 and an AF, e.g. an AF at CAS, e.g. DN-CAS 42, or at an EAS, e.g. EAS1 38 or EAS2 46 is already established. The third message sequence diagram according to figure 8 widely corresponds to the message sequence diagram according to figure 7.

[0084] In a twenty-second stage S50, CAS may determine that UE's traffic should be offloaded to EAS, in particular EAS1, e.g. by using DNAI1. Further, EAS1 may need to send some data traffic to CAS for further processing.

[0085] In a twenty-third stage S52, AF may send a Steering Request, optionally with a steering indication, DNAI, and/or EAS1, N6 and/or CAS details (e.g. EAS and CAS IP addresses, EAS1 geographical area information, etc.) to NEF 52. If the AF sends this steering information along with another message (e.g. for insertion of UL-CL), then the AF may include the steering indication so that NF, in particular 5GC NF, can know that a session needs to be established between EAS1 and CAS. Steering Information may be provided as a new Information Element (IE) in the messages.

[0086] In a twenty-fourth stage S54, NEF 52 may determine SMF 56 or PCF 54 based on local configuration and/or Steering Information (e.g. EAS1 and CAS IP addresses and/or EAS1 geographical area information). Then, the message flow may proceed as explained in stages S56 and S58, or, alternatively, as explained in stages S60 and S62.

[0087] In a twenty-fifth stage S56, NEF 52 may send the traffic Steering Request including e.g. the steering indication and/or details of the corresponding DNAI and/or N6 to SMF 56.

[0088] In a twenty-sixth stage S58, SMF 56 may exchange PCC rules for the traffic Steering Request with PCF 54, wherein the Steering Request may include steering indication and/or details regarding the corresponding DNAI and/or N6. In other words, SMF 56 and PCF 54 may coordinate to determine PCC rules for the communication between EAS1 and CAS.

[0089] In a twenty-seventh stage S60, NEF 52 may may send PCC rules for the traffic Steering Request to PCF 52, wherein the Steering Request may include a steering indication and/or details regarding the corresponding DNAI and/or N6.

[0090] In a twenty-eighth stage S62, PCF 54 may establish the traffic Steering Request, which may include steering PCC rules and/or details regarding the corresponding DNAI and/or N6 with SMF 56. In other words, SMF 56 and PCF 54 may coordinate to determine PCC rules for the communication between EAS 1 and CAS.

[0091] In a twenty-ninth stage S64, SMF 56 may determine 1-UPF 34 and/or L-1PSA 36 based on the Steering Information, e.g. EAS1 and CAS IP addresses and/or EAS 1 geographical area information.

[0092] In a thirtieth stage S66, SMF 56 may forward FAR (Forwarding Action Rule) and/or PDR (Packet Detection Rule) which may include EAS1 and CAS addresses, to 1-UPF 34 and L-PSA 36. SMF 56 may also provide Network Instance details, e.g. for N3 and N6, to 1-UPF 34 and L-PSA 36. Further, SMF 56 may establish a N4 steering session including EAS UL/DL, PSA UL/DL addresses and/or N6 interface details with 1-UPF/L-PSA1 34, 36.

[0093] In a thirty-first stage S68, EAS1 38 and CAS 42 may exchange UL/DL data via 1-UPF 34 and/or L-PSA1 36 and via PSA1 40.

[0094] Fig. 9 shows a fourth message sequence diagram in accordance with one embodiment. The message flow in accordance with the fourth message sequence diagramm may be used in one or more of the network scenarios explained above. In the fourth message sequence diagram it is assumed that a PDU session between UE 30 and an AF, e.g. an AF at CAS, e.g. DN-CAS 42, or at an EAS, e.g. EAS1 38 or EAS2 46 is already established.

[0095] In a thirty-second stage S70, CAS 42 may determine that UE's traffic should be offloaded to EAS1, e.g. having DNAI1. Alternatively or additionaly, EAS1 38 may need to send some traffic to CAS 42 further processing.

[0096] In a thirty-third stage S72, CAS 42 may send a traffic Steering Request, optionally including the steering indication, details of the corresponding DNAI, N6, EAS1 and CAS details (e.g. EAS and CAS IP addresses, EAS geographical area information, etc.,) to PCF 54. AF may perform PCF selection based on EAS geographical area information. If AF sends this steering information along with another message (e.g. for insertion of UL-CL), then AF may include the steering indication so that NF, in particular 5GC NF, may know that a session may need to be established between EAS1 and CAS. The Steering Information may be provided as a new Information Element (IE) in the messages.

[0097] In a thirty-fourth stage S74, PCF 54 may select SMF 56 based on local configuration and/or Steering Information (e.g. EAS and CAS IP addresses and/or EAS geographical area information) and may determine PCC rules for steering.

[0098] In a thirty-fifth stage S76, PCF 54 may send the Steering Request to the selected SMF 56 along with Steering Information and PCC rules.

[0099] In a thirty-sixth stage S78, SMF 56 may determine 1-UPF 34 and L-PSA1 36 based on the Steering Information, e.g. EAS and CAS IP addresses and/or EAS geographical area information.

[0100] In a thirty-seventh stage S80, SMF 56 may forward FAR and/or PDR to 1-UPF 34 and/or L-PSA 36, optinally including EAS1 and CAS addresses. SMF 56 may also provide Network Instance details e.g. for N3 and N6. SMF 56 may establish a N4 steering session including EAS UL/DL, PSA UL/DL addresses and N6 interface details with 1-UPF 34 and/or L-PSA 36.

[0101] In a thirty-eighth stage S82, EAS1 38 and CAS 42 may exchange UL/DL data via 1-UPF 34 and/or L-PSA1 36 and via PSA1 40.

[0102] Fig. 10 shows a fifth message sequence diagram in accordance with one embodiment. The message flow in accordance with the fifth message sequence diagramm may be used in one or more of the network scenarios explained above. In the fifth message sequence diagram it is assumed that a PDU session between UE 30 and an AF, e.g. an AF at CAS, e.g. DN-CAS 42, or at an EAS, e.g. EAS1 38 or EAS2 46 is already established. According to figure 10 multiple SMFs may be involved in providing the tunnel between the corresponding CAS and EAS. In this case, 1-SMF 58 may manage the 1-UPF 34 and/or L-PSA 36, and SMF 56 may manage the PSA, in particular the central PSA C-PSA.

[0103] In a thirty-ninth stage S83, the AF in the application layer may determine that the corresponding EAS needs to exchange traffic with the corresponding CAS.

[0104] In a fourtieth stage S84, AF may send a traffic Steering Request including the Steering Indication and/or endpoint details to NEF 52.

[0105] In a fourty-first stage S86, NEF 52 may determine SMF 56 or PCF 54 based on the endpoint details. Then the message flow may proceed with stages S88 and S90, or, alternatively, with stages S91 and S92.

[0106] In a fourty-second stage S88, NEF 52 may send the traffic Steering Request optionally including the steering indication and/or endpoint details to SMF 56.

[0107] In a fourty-third stage S90, SMF 56 may exchange PCC rules for the traffic Steering Request with PCF 54, wherein the Steering Request may include steering indication and endpoint details. In other words, SMF 56 and PCF 54 coordinate to determine PCC rules for the requested communication flow.

[0108] In a fourty-fourth stage S91, NEF 52 may send PCC rules for the traffic Steering Request to PCF 52, wherein the Steering Request may include a steering indication and/or endpoint details.

[0109] In a fourty-fifth stage S92, PCF 54 may establish the traffic Steering Request, which may include steering PCC rules and/or endpoint details with SMF 56. In other words, SMF 56 and PCF 54 coordinate to determine PCC rules for the requested communication flow.

[0110] In a fourty-sixth stage S93, SMF 56 may determine a UP configuration based on the endpoint details and also may determine that 1-UPF 34 and L-PSA 36 are managed by I-SMF 58.

[0111] In a fourty-seventh stage S94, SMF 56 may send a N4 establish steering session update to I-SMF 58 including EAS UL/DL, PSA UL/DL addresses, N19 interface details, PCC rules and/or steering indication.

[0112] In a fourty-eighth stage S96, I-SMF 58 may send 1-UPF and local PSA configuration, optionally via N4, to 1-UPF/L-PSA1 34, 36.

[0113] In a fourty-ninth stage S98, I-SMF 58 may send a N4 establish steering session ACK, optionally including I-UPF/L-PSA tunnel details, to SMF 56.
In a fiftieth stage S99, SMF 56 may send a N4 establish steering session update, optionally including PSA UL/DL addresses and/or N6/N19 interface details, to UPF(C-PSA) 58.

Example 1 is a Session Management Function (SMF) of a mobile radio communication network, including one or more processors configured to: provide a Session Management Function (SMF); receive a steering request message via a Network Exposure Function (NEF) and/or Policy Control Function (PCF), the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between a first Application Function (AF) and a second Application Function (AF), wherein the first AF and the second AF are located outside the mobile radio communication network, the steering request message including a first information allowing the determination of a first interface associated with a first network the first AF is located in and a second information allowing the determination of the a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in; establish the communication connection between the first AF and the second AF through the mobile radio communication network and via the first interface and via the second interface using the first information and/or the second information.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally include that the first AF includes a centralized Application Server (CAS).

In Example 3, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 or 2 can optionally include that the second AF includes an Edge Application Server (EAS).

In Example 4, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 3 can optionally include that the first information of the steering request message includes a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication; and/or thath the second information of the steering request message includes a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication.

In Example 5, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 3 can optionally include that the first information of the steering request message includes a first AF Service identifier (ID) of the first AF; and/or that the second information of the steering request message includes a second AF Service identifier (ID) of the second AF.

In Example 6, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 5 can optionally include that the steering request message further includes at least one of the following communication connection endpoint information: first AF geographical area information; second AF geographical area information; first and/or second interface IP address; first and/or second interface characteristics; first AF Internet Protocol (IP) address; first AF Medium Access Control (MAC) address; second AF Internet Protocol (IP) address; second AF Medium Access Control (MAC) address; characteristics of an associated mobile radio communication terminal device; and authorization information indicating an authorization of the first AF.

In Example 7, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 6 can optionally include that the steering request message further includes at least one of the following steering information: information about one or more Network Functions of the mobile radio communication network; information about Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules to be applied to the established communication connection; Data Network Name (DNN) and/or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) of the mobile radio communication network; characteristics of an associated mobile radio communication terminal device; characteristics of the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session; and characteristics of a network instance of the communication connection within the mobile radio communication network.

In Example 8, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 7 can optionally include that the network includes an Edge Hosting Environment including an Edge Application Server.

In Example 9, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 8 can optionally include that the first network and/or the second network are/is a data network.

In Example 10, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 9 can optionally include that the network is a 5G Core Network.

In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 can optionally include that the network is a Control Plane 5G Core Network.

In Example 12, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 11 can optionally include that the one or more processors are further configured to determine one or more PCC rules from an associated Policy Control Function (PCF) of the mobile radio communication network.

Example 13 is an Application Function (AF), including one or more processors configured to: provide an Application Function (AF); generate a steering request message, the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between the Application Function (AF) and a second Application Function (AF), wherein the AF and the second AF are located outside a mobile radio communication network in which a Session Management Function is located, the steering request message including a first information allowing the determination of a first interface associated with a first network the AF is located in and a second information allowing the determination of a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in; and send the steering request message via a Network Exposure Function (NEF) and/or Policy Control Function (PCF) to the SMF.

In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 can optionally include that the AF includes a centralized Application Server (CAS) or an Edge Application Server (EAS).

In Example 15, the subject matter of any of Examples 13 or 14 can optionally include that the second AF includes an Edge Application Server (EAS) or a centralized Application Server (CAS).

In Example 16, the subject matter of any of Examples 13 to 15 can optionally include that the first information of the steering request message includes a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication; and/or that the second information of the steering request message includes a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication.

In Example 17, the subject matter of any of Examples 13 to 16 can optionally include that the first information of the steering request message includes a first AF Service identifier (ID) of the AF; and/or that the second information of the steering request message includes a second AF Service identifier (ID) of the second AF.

In Example 18, the subject matter of any of Examples 13 to 17 can optionally include that the steering request message further includes at least one of the following communication connection endpoint information: AF geographical area information; second AF geographical area information; first and/or second interface IP address; first and/or second interface characteristics; AF Internet Protocol (IP) address; AF Medium Access Control (MAC) address; second AF Internet Protocol (IP) address; second AF Medium Access Control (MAC) address; characteristics of an associated mobile radio communication terminal device; and authorization information indicating an authorization of the AF.

In Example 19, the subject matter of any of Examples 13 to 18 can optionally include that the steering request message further includes at least one of the following steering information: information about one or more Network Functions of the mobile radio communication network; information about Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules to be applied to the established communication connection; Data Network Name (DNN) and/or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) of the mobile radio communication network; characteristics of an associated mobile radio communication terminal device; characteristics of the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session; and characteristics of a network instance of the communication connection within the mobile radio communication network.

In Example 20, the subject matter of any of Examples 13 to 19 can optionally include that the network includes an Edge Hosting Environment including an Edge Application Server.

In Example 21, the subject matter of any of Examples 13 to 20 can optionally include that the first network and/or the second network are/is a data network.

In Example 22, the subject matter of any of Examples 13 to 21 can optionally include that the network is a 5G Core Network.

In Example 23, the subject matter of Example 22 can optionally include that the network is a Control Plane 5G Core Network.

In Example 24, the subject matter of any of Examples 13 to 23 can optionally include that the one or more processors are further configured to determine one or more PCC rules from an associated Policy Control Function (PCF) of the mobile radio communication network.

Example 25 is a method of operating a Session Management Function (SMF) of a mobile radio communication network, the method including: providing a Session Management Function (SMF); receiving a steering request message via a Network Exposure Function (NEF) and/or Policy Control Function (PCF), the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between a first Application Function (AF) and a second Application Function (AF), wherein the first AF and the second AF are located outside the mobile radio communication network, the steering request message including a first information allowing the determination of the a first interface associated with a first network the first AF is located in and a second information allowing the determination of a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in; establishing the communication connection between the first AF and the second AF through the mobile radio communication network and via the first interface and via the second interface using the first information and/or the second information.

In Example 26, the subject matter of Example 25 can optionally include that the first AF includes a centralized Application Server (CAS).

In Example 27, the subject matter of any of Examples 25 or 26 can optionally include that the second AF includes an Edge Application Server (EAS).

In Example 28, the subject matter of any of Examples 25 to 27 can optionally include that the first information of the steering request message includes a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication; and/or that the second information of the steering request message includes a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication.

In Example 29, the subject matter of any of Examples 25 to 28 can optionally include that the first information of the steering request message includes a first AF Service identifier (ID) of the first AF; and/or that the second information of the steering request message includes a second AF Service identifier (ID) of the second AF.

In Example 30, the subject matter of any of Examples 25 to 29 can optionally include that the steering request message further includes at least one of the following communication connection endpoint information: first AF geographical area information; second AF geographical area information; first and/or second interface IP address; first and/or second interface characteristics; first AF Internet Protocol (IP) address; first AF Medium Access Control (MAC) address; second AF Internet Protocol (IP) address; second AF Medium Access Control (MAC) address; characteristics of an associated mobile radio communication terminal device; and authorization information indicating an authorization of the first AF.

In Example 31, the subject matter of any of Examples 25 to 30 can optionally include that the steering request message further includes at least one of the following steering information: information about one or more Network Functions of the mobile radio communication network; information about Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules to be applied to the established communication connection; Data Network Name (DNN) and/or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) of the mobile radio communication network; characteristics of an associated mobile radio communication terminal device; characteristics of the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session; and characteristics of a network instance of the communication connection within the mobile radio communication network.

In Example 32, the subject matter of any of Examples 25 to 31 can optionally include that the network includes an Edge Hosting Environment including an Edge Application Server.

In Example 33, the subject matter of any of Examples 25 to 32 can optionally include that the first network and/or the second network are/is a data network.

In Example 34, the subject matter of any of Examples 25 to 33 can optionally include that the network is a 5G Core Network.

In Example 35, the subject matter of Example 34 can optionally include that the network is a Control Plane 5G Core Network.

In Example 36, the subject matter of any of Examples 25 to 35 can optionally include determining one or more PCC rules from an associated Policy Control Function (PCF) of the mobile radio communication network.

Example 37 is a method of operating an Application Function (AF), the method including: providing an Application Function (AF); generating a steering request message, the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between the Application Function (AF) and a second Application Function (AF), wherein the AF and the second AF are located outside a mobile radio communication network in which a Session Management Function is located, the steering request message including a first information allowing the determination of a first interface associated with a first network the AF is located in and a second information allowing the determination of a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in; sending the steering request message via a Network Exposure Function (NEF) and/or Policy Control Function (PCF) to the SMF.

In Example 38, the subject matter of Example 37 can optionally include that the AF includes a centralized Application Server (CAS) or an Edge Application Server (EAS).

In Example 39, the subject matter of any of Examples 37 or 38 can optionally include that the second AF includes an Edge Application Server (EAS) or a centralized Application Server (CAS).

In Example 40, the subject matter of any of Examples can optionally include that the first information of the steering request message includes a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication; and/or wherein the second information of the steering request message includes a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication.

In Example 41, the subject matter of any of Examples 37 to 40 can optionally include that the first information of the steering request message includes a first AF Service identifier (ID) of the AF; and/or that the second information of the steering request message includes a second AF Service identifier (ID) of the second AF.

In Example 42, the subject matter of any of Examples 37 to 41 can optionally include that the steering request message further includes at least one of the following communication connection endpoint information: AF geographical area information; second AF geographical area information; first and/or second interface IP address; first and/or second interface characteristics; AF Internet Protocol (IP) address; AF Medium Access Control (MAC) address; second AF Internet Protocol (IP) address; second AF Medium Access Control (MAC) address; characteristics of an associated mobile radio communication terminal device; and authorization information indicating an authorization of the AF.

In Example 43, the subject matter of any of Examples 37 to 42 can optionally include that the steering request message further includes at least one of the following steering information: information about one or more Network Functions of the mobile radio communication network; information about Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules to be applied to the established communication connection; Data Network Name (DNN) and/or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) of the mobile radio communication network; characteristics of an associated mobile radio communication terminal device; characteristics of the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session; and characteristics of a network instance of the communication connection within the mobile radio communication network.

In Example 44, the subject matter of any of Examples 37 to 43 can optionally include that the network includes an Edge Hosting Environment including an Edge Application Server..

In Example 45, the subject matter of any of Examples 37 to 44 can optionally include that the first network and/or the second network are/is a data network.

In Example 46, the subject matter of any of Examples 37 to 45 can optionally include that the network is a 5G Core Network.

In Example 47, the subject matter of Example 46 can optionally include that the network is a Control Plane 5G Core Network.

In Example 48, the subject matter of any of Examples 37 to 47 can optionally include that the one or more processors are further configured to determine one or more PCC rules from an associated Policy Control Function (PCF) of the mobile radio communication network.

Example 49 is a non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing instruction, when executed by a processor, implementing a method of operating a Session Management Function of a mobile radio communication network of any one of claim 25 to 36.

Example 50 is a non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing instruction, when executed by a processor, implementing a method of operating an Application Function of a mobile radio communication network of any one of claim 37 to 48.

[0114] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

Claims

1. A Session Management Function (SMF) of a mobile radio communication network, comprising one or more processors configured to:

provide a Session Management Function (SMF);

receive a steering request message via a Network Exposure Function (NEF) and/or Policy Control Function (PCF), the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between a first Application Function (AF) and a second Application Function (AF), wherein the first AF and the second AF are located outside the mobile radio communication network, the steering request message comprising a first information allowing the determination of a first interface associated with a first network the first AF is located in and a second information allowing the determination of the a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in;

establish the communication connection between the first AF and the second AF through the mobile radio communication network and via the first interface and via the second interface using the first information and/or the second information.

2. The SMF of claim 1,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication;
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a first AF Service identifier (ID) of the first AF; and/or
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a second AF Service identifier (ID) of the second AF.

3. The SMF of any one of claims 1 or 2,
wherein the network is a 5G Core Network.

4. An Application Function (AF), comprising one or more processors configured to:

provide an Application Function (AF);

generate a steering request message, the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between the Application Function (AF) and a second Application Function (AF), wherein the AF and the second AF are located outside a mobile radio communication network in which a Session Management Function is located, the steering request message comprising a first information allowing the determination of a first interface associated with a first network the AF is located in and a second information allowing the determination of a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in;

send the steering request message via a Network Exposure Function (NEF) and/or Policy Control Function (PCF) to the SMF.

5. The AF of claim 4,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication;
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a first AF Service identifier (ID) of the AF; and/or
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a second AF Service identifier (ID) of the second AF.

6. The AF of any one of claims 4 or 5,
wherein the network is a 5G Core Network.

7. A method of operating a Session Management Function (SMF) of a mobile radio communication network, the method comprising:

providing a Session Management Function (SMF);

receiving a steering request message via a Network Exposure Function (NEF) and/or Policy Control Function (PCF), the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between a first Application Function (AF) and a second Application Function (AF), wherein the first AF and the second AF are located outside the mobile radio communication network, the steering request message comprising a first information allowing the determination of the a first interface associated with a first network the first AF is located in and a second information allowing the determination of a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in;

establishing the communication connection between the first AF and the second AF through the mobile radio communication network and via the first interface and via the second interface using the first information and/or the second information.

8. The method of claim 7,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication; and/or
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication.

9. The method of any one of claims 7 or 8,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a first AF Service identifier (ID) of the first AF; and/or
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a second AF Service identifier (ID) of the second AF.

10. The method of any one of claims 7 to 9,
wherein the network is a 5G Core Network.

11. A method of operating an Application Function (AF), the method comprising:

providing an Application Function (AF);

generating a steering request message, the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between the Application Function (AF) and a second Application Function (AF), wherein the AF and the second AF are located outside a mobile radio communication network in which a Session Management Function is located, the steering request message comprising a first information allowing the determination of a first interface associated with a first network the AF is located in and a second information allowing the determination of a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in;

sending the steering request message via a Network Exposure Function (NEF) and/or Policy Control Function (PCF) to the SMF.

12. The method of claim 11,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication;
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a first AF Service identifier (ID) of the AF; and/or
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a second AF Service identifier (ID) of the second AF.

13. The method of any one of claims 11 or 12,
wherein the network is a 5G Core Network.

14. A non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing instruction, when executed by a processor, implementing a method of operating a Session Management Function of a mobile radio communication network of any one of claims 1 to 3.

15. A non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing instruction, when executed by a processor, implementing a method of operating an Application Function of a mobile radio communication network of any one of claims 4 to 7.

Amended claims

Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.

1. A Session Management Function, SMF, (56) of a mobile radio communication network, comprising one or more processors configured to:

receive a steering request message via a Network Exposure Function, NEF, (52) and/or Policy Control Function, PCF, the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between a first Application Function, AF, (42) and a second Application Function, AF, for a PDU session between a User Equipment, UE, (30) and the first AF (42), wherein the first AF (42) and the second AF are located outside the mobile radio communication network, the steering request message comprising a first information allowing the determination of a first interface associated with a first network the first AF (42) is located in and a second information allowing the determination of the a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in, and a UE address of the UE(30);

establish the communication connection between the first AF (42) and the second AF through the mobile radio communication network and via the first interface and via the second interface using the first information and/or the second information.

2. The SMF of claim 1,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI, of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication;
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI, of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a first AF Service identifier, ID, of the first AF (42); and/or
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a second AF Service identifier, ID, of the second AF.

3. The SMF of any one of claims 1 or 2,
wherein the network is a 5G Core Network.

4. An Application Function, AF, comprising one or more processors configured to:

generate a steering request message, the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between the Application Function, AF, (42) and a second Application Function, AF, wherein the AF (42) is connected to a User Equipment, UE, (30) and wherein the AF (42) and the second AF are located outside a mobile radio communication network in which a Session Management Function, SMF, (56) is located, the steering request message comprising a first information allowing the determination of a first interface associated with a first network the AF (42) is located in and a second information allowing the determination of a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in, and a UE address of the UE (30);

send the steering request message via a Network Exposure Function, NEF, (52) and/or Policy Control Function, PCF, to the SMF (56),

wherein the corresponding Uplink-Classifier, UL-CL, traffic is send to the UE (30).

5. The AF of claim 4,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI, of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication;
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI, of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a first AF Service identifier, ID, of the AF (42); and/or
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a second AF Service identifier, ID, of the second AF.

6. The AF of any one of claims 4 or 5,
wherein the network is a 5G Core Network.

7. A method of operating a Session Management Function, SMF, (56) of a mobile radio communication network, the method comprising:

providing a Session Management Function, SMF, (56);

receiving a steering request message via a Network Exposure Function, NEF, (52) and/or Policy Control Function, PCF, the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between a first Application Function, AF, (42) and a second Application Function, AF, for a PDU session between a User Equipment, UE, (30) and the first AF (42), wherein the first AF (42) and the second AF are located outside the mobile radio communication network, the steering request message comprising a first information allowing the determination of the a first interface associated with a first network the first AF (42) is located in and a second information allowing the determination of a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in, and a UE address of the UE(30);

establishing the communication connection between the first AF (42) and the second AF through the mobile radio communication network and via the first interface and via the second interface using the first information and/or the second information.

8. The method of claim 7,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI, of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication; and/or
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI, of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication.

9. The method of any one of claims 7 or 8,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a first AF Service identifier, ID, of the first AF (42); and/or
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a second AF Service identifier, ID, of the second AF.

10. The method of any one of claims 7 to 9,
wherein the network is a 5G Core Network.

11. A method of operating an Application Function, AF, (42) the method comprising:

providing the Application Function, AF (42);

generating a steering request message, the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between the AF (42) and a second Application Function, AF, wherein the AF (42) is connected to a User Equipment, UE, (30) and wherein the AF (42) and the second AF are located outside a mobile radio communication network in which a Session Management Function, SMF, (56) is located, the steering request message comprising a first information allowing the determination of a first interface associated with a first network the AF (42) is located in and a second information allowing the determination of a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in,

and a UEaddress of the UE (30);

sending the steering request message via a Network Exposure Function, NEF, and/or Policy Control Function, PCF, to the SMF,

sending the corresponding Uplink-Classifier, UL-CL, traffic to the UE (30).

12. The method of claim 11,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI, of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication;
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI, of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a first AF Service identifier, ID, of the AF (42); and/or
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a second AF Service identifier, ID, of the second AF.

13. The method of any one of claims 11 or 12,
wherein the network is a 5G Core Network.

14. A non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing instruction, when executed by a processor, implementing a method of operating a Session Management Function of a mobile radio communication network of any one of claims 1 to 3.

15. A non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing instruction, when executed by a processor, implementing a method of operating an Application Function of a mobile radio communication network of any one of claims 4 to 7.

1. A Session Management Function, SMF, (56) of a mobile radio communication network, comprising one or more processors configured to:

receive a steering request message via a Network Exposure Function, NEF, (52) and/or Policy Control Function, PCF, the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between a first Application Function, AF, (42) and a second Application Function, AF, for an established PDU session between a User Equipment, UE, (30) and the first AF (42), wherein the first AF (42) and the second AF are located outside the mobile radio communication network, the steering request message comprising a first information allowing the determination of a first interface associated with a first network the first AF (42) is located in and a second information allowing the determination of the a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in, and a UE address of the UE (30);

establish the communication connection between the first AF (42) and the second AF through the mobile radio communication network and via the first interface and via the second interface using the first information and/or the second information.

2. The SMF of claim 1,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI, of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication;
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI, of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a first AF Service identifier, ID, of the first AF (42); and/or
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a second AF Service identifier, ID, of the second AF.

3. The SMF of any one of claims 1 or 2,
wherein the network is a 5G Core Network.

4. An Application Function, AF, comprising one or more processors configured to:

generate a steering request message, the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between the Application Function, AF, (42) and a second Application Function, AF, wherein the AF (42) is connected to a User Equipment, UE, (30) and wherein the AF (42) and the second AF are located outside a mobile radio communication network in which a Session Management Function, SMF, (56) is located, the steering request message comprising a first information allowing the determination of a first interface associated with a first network the AF (42) is located in and a second information allowing the determination of a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in, and a UE address of the UE (30);

send the steering request message via a Network Exposure Function, NEF, (52) and/or Policy Control Function, PCF, to the SMF (56),

wherein the corresponding Uplink-Classifier, UL-CL, traffic is send to the UE (30).

5. The AF of claim 4,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI, of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication;
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI, of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a first AF Service identifier, ID, of the AF (42); and/or
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a second AF Service identifier, ID, of the second AF.

6. The AF of any one of claims 4 or 5,
wherein the network is a 5G Core Network.

7. A method of operating a Session Management Function, SMF, (56) of a mobile radio communication network, the method comprising:

providing a Session Management Function, SMF, (56);

receiving a steering request message via a Network Exposure Function, NEF, (52) and/or Policy Control Function, PCF, the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between a first Application Function, AF, (42) and a second Application Function, AF, for an established PDU session between a User Equipment, UE, (30) and the first AF (42), wherein the first AF (42) and the second AF are located outside the mobile radio communication network, the steering request message comprising a first information allowing the determination of the a first interface associated with a first network the first AF (42) is located in and a second information allowing the determination of a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in, and a UE address of the UE(30);

establishing the communication connection between the first AF (42) and the second AF through the mobile radio communication network and via the first interface and via the second interface using the first information and/or the second information.

8. The method of claim 7,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI, of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication; and/or
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI, of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication.

9. The method of any one of claims 7 or 8,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a first AF Service identifier, ID, of the first AF (42); and/or
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a second AF Service identifier, ID, of the second AF.

10. The method of any one of claims 7 to 9,
wherein the network is a 5G Core Network.

11. A method of operating an Application Function, AF, (42) the method comprising:

providing the Application Function, AF (42);

generating a steering request message, the steering request message requesting to establish a communication connection between the AF (42) and a second Application Function, AF, wherein the AF (42) is connected to a User Equipment, UE, (30) and wherein the AF (42) and the second AF are located outside a mobile radio communication network in which a Session Management Function, SMF, (56) is located, the steering request message comprising a first information allowing the determination of a first interface associated with a first network the AF (42) is located in and a second information allowing the determination of a second interface associated with a second network the second AF is located in,

and a UEaddress of the UE (30);

sending the steering request message via a Network Exposure Function, NEF, and/or Policy Control Function, PCF, to the SMF,

sending the corresponding Uplink-Classifier, UL-CL, traffic to the UE (30).

12. The method of claim 11,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI, of a first User Plane Function associated with the first network along with Steering Indication;
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI, of a second User Plane Function associated with the second network along with Steering Indication,
wherein the first information of the steering request message comprises a first AF Service identifier, ID, of the AF (42); and/or
wherein the second information of the steering request message comprises a second AF Service identifier, ID, of the second AF.

13. The method of any one of claims 11 or 12,
wherein the network is a 5G Core Network.

14. A non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing instruction, when executed by a processor, implementing a method of operating a Session Management Function of a mobile radio communication network of any one of claims 1 to 3.

15. A non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing instruction, when executed by a processor, implementing a method of operating an Application Function of a mobile radio communication network of any one of claims 4 to 7.

Drawing